In recent weeks, some major nations found themselves taking on the issue of Internet gambling. After the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was passed in the US a few months ago, several other nations turn to debate the issue. Some followed the US while others adopted the UK legal regulations of the online gaming industry.

Italy, Spain, South Africa and now Germany have seen developments related to online poker. Italy, Spain and South Africa just recently approved regulations to allow online gambling and generate lawful revenue, but Germany on the other side is considering banning Internet gaming in a matter similar to the US.

Germany federal states representatives met to discuss banning online gambling throughout the entire country after Saxony, Hesse and Bavaria already banned Internet gambling by local laws. These three states have lotteries sponsored by the local government and are seeking to eliminate gambling-related competition as similar to other countries. However, the EU has free-trade provisions which legitimize countries where online poker is legalize to protest against those banning measures.

Spain announcement the government will be following Italy in loosening online gaming restrictions have already brought a boost to the local economy when online gambling companies Ladbrokes and William Hill applied for Italian licenses and many other major online gambling companies are expected to join them. The announcement stated that the government will allow gaming in regulated locations while online is among them. Licenses will be granted for five years and are subject to regulation and renewal.

European Union members will probably act as key players in deciding online gambling’s future, especially as long as the US remains closed to the industry. The European Commission is examining the measures proposed by German legislation and France’s actions of arresting two BWin executives.